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Overview

In 1914, Joey, a farm horse, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of World War I on the Western Front. When Joey is dragged away, his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he is forced to leave behind. In the army the beautiful red-bay horse is trained to charge the enemy, drag heavy artillery, and carry wounded soldiers not much older than Albert off the battlefields. Amongst the clamoring of guns, and while plodding through the cold mud, Joey wonders if the war will ever end. And if it does, will he ever find Albert again?

War Horse joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Product Details

About the Author

Michael Morpurgo, former Children's Laureate of Britain, is the author of War Horse, called "Superb" by the NYT Book Review, and now a major motion picture. His other prize-winning books include Kensuke's Kingdom, Private Peaceful, and The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. Michael lives in England, with his wife, Clare. Together, they founded the charity Farms for City Children, which gives children from urban areas an opportunity to spend a week working on a farm. Learn more at michaelmorpurgo.org.

Editorial Reviews

Although a first-person animal narrator asks a lot of the reader, Joey's voiceunsentimental and brave under fireamplifies the emotional impact of the story…The historical details in this short book powerfully ground it in its moment, but a timeless question drives the story: Will the two friends, Joey and Albert, ever see each other again?The New York Times

Regina Marler

Gr 5–8—Since he was a young colt, Joey has been loved and cared for by Alber, a young English farm boy. At the beginning of Wold War I, Albert's father sells Joey to a captain in the cavalry. The boy is devastated and promises Joey that someday he will find him. Joey experiences army life and the disastrous consequences of a cavalry charge into machine guns. He is captured as a prisoner of war and becomes a hospital cart transport horse for the German army. The he's used by the German soldiers to pull gun carts through the muddy trenches. Joey bolts after his friend Topflight dies. He ends up in no-man's land between the trenches. By a coin toss, he becomes again the property of the English. Joey is taken to a veterinary hospital where he is reunited with Albert. As the soldiers from both sides of the conflict share their thoughts and feelings with Joey, listeners get unique and perceptive views of World War I. John Keating's' different accents are pitch perfect as he draws listeners into the story (Scholastic, 1982) by Michael Morpurgo. An excellent choice for fans of historical fiction.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, Riverton Library, UT

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

War Horse is one of my favorite books. The author does an amazing job of telling an exciting story through a young horse's eyes. The tale explains everything exactly as you would expect this young stallion to, and has one of the best endings i have ever read, so simple, yet it gives you a heartwarming feeling that Satisfies the books end. I recommend this book to all animal lovers.

Tashina Myers

More than 1 year ago

this book is awsome full of excitment but sadness its the story of a horses life during the war many people who read this will get done and take a deep breath and say man what a good book and read it again.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I wish I had known about this book when I was still teaching 5th/6th grade. It would have been a wonderful addition to my English/Language Arts Horse Unit. My students would have loved it. I can't wait to see the movie!

LittleMissMeat

More than 1 year ago

This is one of the best books that I have read. If you like war stories and actions this one is definetly for you. Yet it is appropriate for the young readers also. This unique way the story was told through a horse was amazing. I have never read anything like it. The story is complete and you are able to connect with the characters right off the bat. This book will leave you with a new insight of a horse and the feelings they have if you don't already know. Worthy of your time and money.

permawa

More than 1 year ago

Story brought tears to my eyes. Any animal lover should enjoy

dizazter

More than 1 year ago

This is a great story, however the ebook version is wrought full of grammatical errors and misspelled words. At one point it skips a whole paragraph. Purchase at your own risk.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

The best horse book I have read in forever! Really heart warming story! Great for horse lovers, but sad parts!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

As someone who has been horse crazy all her life, I just had to read this book. It was a good read. I really felt what the horse felt. I read it in one sitting.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I love horses and history, and this was an inspirational story told from the horse's own brave perspective. A truly wonderful read.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Great book, it is a must read!!! I enjoyed it a lot, it has a happy ending and only one small sad part!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Best book ( and movie ) ever! I recomend it to the world! : )

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

War Horse is a great book very detailed and perfect for all those horse lovers out there or anyone! It was very different than the movie but both were great i definately reccomend it for ages 7 and up. Also for all those horse lovers we need the my horse app for nooks! Care for your own horse and more! We NEED it on nook for free!!!! CLICK yes if you agree.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This is a book that is bigger than life itself. Kept me on my toes could not put it down. Loved it.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This book tugged at my heart strings.. Very good and easy read. I recommend this for everyone!! I wanted to read before I go see the movie.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Im glad my teacher bought these for us to read together in class.my teacher rules in 5th grade

easondk

More than 1 year ago

This is a easy book to glide through in about a day or two. I would suggest taking it on a short road trip and cruising through it along the way if you can be lucky enough to have a driver. The story itself will keep you turning the page, and I thought the perspective of everything coming from the horse was neat. It's definitely a book I would suggest to younger readers if only for an understanding of the terrible environment surrounding WWI. It doesn't conjure up images of endless blood and gore but rather paints a somber mindset - one where neither side understands why the fight goes on without end. All in all, it's well-worth the limited time required to enjoy its delivery.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I have read this book twice already and will read it again. The movie was good but the book is even better. The book is told by Joey, the horse and set in England and France during WW I. Because Joey tells the story we gain an understanding of his emotions, how he feels about Albert, Albert's father, the other horses and other characters in the book. The text is descriptive and some young readers will have difficulty with some of the vocabulary but if one sticks with it, one will not be disappointed. Highly recommend to individuals from ages twelve to adult.

Onedina

More than 1 year ago

I was surprised when I started reading that it was narrated through the voice of the horse, Joey. However, I found it charming and refreshing. I just saw the movie and was glad I read the book first. It was much more meaningful and I was able to be more deeply associated with the characters (people and horses) because I read the book. Highly recommend it even if you've already seen the movie. It will surely fill in all the blanks and enrich the story....

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I am 13 and I highly recommend this book to history and horse lovers! It has great imagery and foreshadowing!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

The book was amazing with only a few sad parts. The movie was touching and occasionally funny with a few gross parts and one graphic part. The movie added alot of parts that weren' t in the book and changed up alot of details, good movie though.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Interesting to read, very different because it is from the point of view of the horse. Believe it or not, I did not realize that I was reading a children's book until I got to the question and answer section at the end - I bought it for $4.99 for my nook: never looked at the name of the publisher, was interested because the movie was in theaters, did wonder why the book was only 110 pages, recommended it to other adults as I was reading it. I was surprised and laughed when I discovered the genre. I still liked the book, and it's story, very much.

SailorJan

More than 1 year ago

Excellent book. Quick read but brings war home to you. Recommended for all ages.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I enjoyed this book. Setting is WW 1. The story is told by Joey, a young horse, about his adventures from the moment he was auctioned off as a young colt.
It was fun to read a story told from a horses point of view.
A very quick read.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Really enjoyed this book. Found it a relaxing and easy read.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This a good sample book it gave me a little of the book and what it was going 2 be about and i think that the book is going 2 be better than the movie

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